Game: Green Bay Packers @ Las Vegas Raiders
Time: 8:15 p.m.
Odds: Packers +2, Raiders -2
Total: 45.5
The Las Vegas Raiders (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS) will attempt to end a three-game losing skid when they host the Green Bay Packers (2-2, 3-1) as small home favorites in the Week 5 Monday Night Football matchup. Las Vegas star wide receiver Davante Adams will be facing his former team Green Bay for the first time since being traded to the Raiders in 2022. Meanwhile, Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has cleared concussion protocol but is probable for tonight’s game.
Green Bay is looking to rebound from a tough 34-20 loss to NFC North foe Detroit in last week’s Thursday Night Football matchup. Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love struggled in prime time. Love completed 23-of-36 passes for 246 yards with one touchdown to Christian Watson. However, he did throw two interceptions. It was the first multi-pick game of his career. To make matters worse, Love was also sacked five times. The good news is that Love now gets to face a Raiders team that has lost nine of its last 11 prime-time games.
With Garoppolo out last week, the Raiders decided to give rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell his first NFL start. O’Connell suffered through getting sacked seven times and almost rallied Las Vegas to a win over AFC West rival, the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders trailed 24-7 at the half. O’Connell drove the Raiders down the field late in the game, but he was picked off by Asante Samuel Jr. Near the goal line.
Other than the seven sacks – six of which were by former Raider Khalil Mack – O’Connell had a decent NFL debut. He completed 24-of-39 passes for 238 yards. He did turn the ball over three times though. In addition to the late interception, he fumbled twice.
Green Bay has beaten up teams with losing records recently, going 14-2 SU in its last 16 games against teams with a losing record. The Packers have covered the spread in seven of the past nine against teams with a losing record during that span of 16 games. Las Vegas certainly fits the bill with its 1-3 record. The Raiders have dropped three games in a row after beating Denver in the season opener. Las Vegas has also lost its last three straight home games.
It won’t matter who plays quarterback for the Raiders if head coach Josh McDaniels doesn’t do something about his own play-calling. It’s another game in front of a prime-time crowd. McDaniels can’t afford any dumb mistakes that lead to a fourth straight loss.
McDaniels and the Raiders would be wise to lean on RB Josh Jacobs, who had his best game of the 2023 season last week. Jacobs totaled 139 yards. He ran 17 times for 58 yards and a touchdown and he caught 8 passes for 81 more yards.
Dating back to 1999, these two teams have played six times. Green Bay has won them all.
Join Oskeim Sports today and save 20% on your first purchase at the online store!